ARTICLES

Low-carbon technologies in automotive industry and decarbonizing transport

Abstract

 

This paper reviews the challenges faced by the global automotive industry as it transitions towards decarbonization. The article presents a comprehensive survey of hybrid, battery electric, and fuel cell electric vehicles, offering insights into their merits, drawbacks, and the potential implications they might have on consumers.

 

Introduction

 

Decarbonizing transport refers to the process of reducing or eliminating the carbon emissions associated with transportation. This frequently involves transitioning from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles fueled by fossil fuels to embracing alternative energy sources and eco-conscious modes of transportation [1]. Research and development endeavors in this eld are directed at manufacturing novel technologies, enhancing current ones, and devising inventive solutions to expedite the transition towards eco-friendly transportation with reduced carbon emissions.

 

Electrochemical energy storage devices for automotive applications
 

Energy storage devices are of utmost importance in modern energy systems. These devices possess the capability to store energy across diverse forms, including electrochemical, kinetic, electromagnetic, pressure, chemical, potential, and thermal energy. Varied energy stor-age technologies are harnessed to achieve this objective, encompassing fuel cells, batteries, capacitors, ywheels, compressed air, pumped hydro, super magnets, and hydrogen systems.

 

Batteries

Batteries have gained significant prominence in the realm of trans-portation, particularly within the context of electric vehicles (EVs), in recent times. Unlike conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles that rely on burning fuel to power the engine and generate energy, EVs utilize batteries to store electrical energy, subsequently propelling the vehicle via an electric motor. In transportation applications, batteries generally fall into two categories: primary and secondary batteries

Electrochemical capacitors

Electrochemical capacitors (ECs), also referred to as supercapacitors or ultracapacitors, constitute a distinct class of energy storage devices characterized by a charge storage mechanism that sets them apart from traditional batteries. While batteries rely on chemical reactions for energy storage and release, ECs harness electrical energy accumulation at the junction between an electrode and an electrolyte.

Current status of low carbon vehicles

 

The automotive industry is directing its research endeavors towards crafting vehicles that boast high energy efficiency and harness renew-able energy sources. A plethora of potential solutions have surfaced to tackle the challenges tied to conventional vehicles. Nonetheless, pin-pointing the singular technology destined to reign over the future’s low carbon vehicle market remains intricate.